Approaching the Zemtar fortress Pike and Talza discuss Rigel, its history and culture and what joining the Federation might mean to the planet. On the cliffs above a Kaylar, a member of Rigel’s soon to be disbanded warrior elite, stalks the pair…

In a Rigellian bar Dermot Cusack keep spirits high leading a master class in the art of making the perfect Sundowner, dubbing it a Kaylar Kalamity.

Pike's Kaylar friend

At the Zemtar fortress Pike attempts to contact the Enterprise, but cannot get through and soon finds himself confronted by a rather agitated Kaylar.

...Below Cusack and Mohindas also note the communications blackout. As another Enterprisecrewman asks a Kaylar if he might know what’s going on the human is struck down by the warrior’s blade. Spock blocks one swing of a Kaylar’s club only to find himself thrown across the room. Nano responds using his pyrotechnic abilities to repel the Rigellians and the Enterprise crew make a run for their lives.

In the Zemtar fortress Pike keeps his own attacking Kaylar busy affording Talza the opportunity to escape.

As the Kaylar rampage through the city the Enterprise survivors stay out of sight. Nano manages to recalibrate his communicator to track the jamming signal and Cusack leaves to locate the transmitter and shut it down. He finds in the midst of the Rigellian Parliamentary Assembly building.

In the Zemtar fortress Pike manages to evade the Kaylar and as the warrior jumps down to attack uses a pike to spear him.

At the transmitter Cusack disables the transmitter and gets through to the Enterprise but is then stabbed in the back by a vengeful Talza.

Meanwhile, Pike, pinned down by his fallen attacker and a new trio of Rigellian warriors, is rescued by Tyler and a landing party from the Enterprise. Upon returning to his ship the picture soon became clear. Rigellian extremists resentful of the Federation forcing changes in Rigellian society organized the coup. The situation is brought under control, but the event cost Rigel its Federation membership and the lives of three of the Enterprise’s crew… including Dermot Cusack.

The last known time off-worlders witnessed the Rigellian Festival of Light and lived. (Historical reference by Captain Pike, noting the date to be a thousand years prior to the events of the story.)

Years before 2254

The Federation makes first contact with Rigel VII, stimulating years of reform to throw off protectionist and barbaric traditions and ready themselves for a place in the galactic community as part of the Federation.

Amongst the 18 pages of adverts in this comic is one page that advertises subscriptions to Marvel's comic, highlighting Star Trek comics with an image of the USS Voyager. Another page advertises toys produced by Playmates to tie in with the film Star Trek: First Contact.

"Add a finger of Salurian rum, before the Hongua - preferably Arcturan - then a measure of Lathian spirit, a jiggle of bitter, and Bob's your uncle! The perfect Sundowner. I call it a Kaylar Kalamity.""Intriguing, yet I fail to see what having a relative named Robert adds to the beverage."

"The Cage" (TOSepisode) - The events on Rigel VII were mentioned in The Cage when the Enterprise was diverted from taking its wounded to Vega colony to render aid of Talos IV. The same events were then used by the Talosians in their mental illusions.